Los Angeles delays $3.6 Billion Valley light-rail line to 2031, missing Olympic deadline
Construction of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project began in July 2026, but the opening has slipped to December 2031, missing the 2028 Olympic Games.
Work on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project commenced in July 2026, yet trains are not slated to run until December 2031, well after the 2028 Olympic Games. Spanning 6.7 miles on Van Nuys Boulevard, the line will feature 11 new stations that connect Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima to the broader Metro system. Originally aimed for a 2027 debut to serve Olympic visitors, the schedule slipped due to major design revisions and delays in moving utilities.
Funding totals $3.6 billion, sourced entirely from public contributions such as Measure M, state transit programs, gas-tax revenues and a federal $893 million grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A joint venture of Skanska and Stacy Witbeck secured a $2.43 billion construction deal, and AECOM is handling Phase 2 design work. Officials highlight that the project will create more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs and expand transit options for Valley residents.
Why it matters
The delay postpones a major transit upgrade for Valley commuters and eliminates the promised rail service for the 2028 Olympics.
In this story
